Correlation between lethal toxin-neutralizing antibody titers and protection from intranasal challenge with Bacillus anthracis Ames strain spores in mice after transcutaneous immunization with recombinant anthrax protective antigen

Infect Immun. 2006 Jan;74(1):794-7. doi: 10.1128/IAI.74.1.794-797.2006.

Abstract

Transcutaneous immunization of mice with recombinant protective antigen (rPA) of Bacillus anthracis resulted in significantly higher lethal toxin-neutralizing antibody titers than did intramuscular injection of alum-adsorbed rPA. Immunized mice were partially protected against intranasal challenge with 235,000 (10 50% lethal doses) Ames strain B. anthracis spores. A highly significant correlation was observed between toxin-neutralizing antibody titer and survival after challenge. Future experiments with rabbits and nonhuman primates should confirm the significance of protection by this vaccine strategy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Animals
  • Anthrax / immunology*
  • Anthrax / prevention & control
  • Anthrax Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Anthrax Vaccines / genetics
  • Anthrax Vaccines / immunology*
  • Antigens, Bacterial / genetics
  • Antigens, Bacterial / immunology*
  • Antigens, Bacterial / therapeutic use
  • Bacillus anthracis / genetics
  • Bacillus anthracis / immunology*
  • Female
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred CBA
  • Spores, Bacterial / immunology
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / administration & dosage
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / genetics
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / immunology

Substances

  • Anthrax Vaccines
  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Vaccines, Synthetic